US20160215465A1

US20160215465A1 - Snow shovel with brush assembly

Info

Publication number: US20160215465A1
Application number: US14/602,441
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael E. Reid; Julian Low
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-22
Filing date: 2015-01-22
Publication date: 2016-07-28
Also published as: CA2918892A1

Abstract

A snow shovel which includes a brush assembly provided on a rear surface of the shovel's scoop adjacent a ground-contacting edge thereof. The scoop is used to remove accumulated snow from a surface and bristles on the brush assembly are used to remove snow left behind by the scoop; where that remaining snow is located in cracks in the surface and adjacent surface protrusions. The brush assembly may be molded as part of the scoop or may be a separate component that is selectively detachably engaged to the scoop.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to snow shovels. More particularly, this invention is directed to hand-held snow shovels. Specifically, this invention is directed to a snow shovel which includes a brush assembly provided on a rear surface of the shovel's scoop adjacent a ground-contacting edge thereof. The scoop is used to remove accumulated snow from a surface and bristles on the brush assembly are used to remove snow left behind by the scoop; where that remaining snow is located in cracks in the surface and adjacent surface protrusions.
2. Background Information
Shoveling snow with a hand-held plow or snow shovel is not always ideal. This is particularly true if the surface over which the snow shovel has to move is rough, cracked or uneven. This is the case if that surface is cobble stone or interlocking stone or if there are ridges and cracks in an asphalt or concrete driveway or sidewalk. In these instances, the ground-contacting edge of the shovel will tend to catch on the small changes in ground elevation and forward movement will be suddenly stopped. The overall effect of this is that a fair bit of snow can be left on the surface in the dips and cracks and immediately adjacent thereto. This situation might be okay on a private driveway or walkway, but on surfaces that the general public will contact, such as the sidewalk in front of a business, for example, these small areas of snow may pose a danger to people walking over the same. It is important to keep these surfaces as clear of snow as possible to minimize the risk that someone could slip and fall.

SUMMARY

There is therefore a need in the art for a snow shovel which more adequately clears surfaces of snow, particularly those areas of surfaces which include cracks and ridges.
A snow shovel is disclosed which includes a brush assembly provided on a rear surface of the shovel's scoop adjacent a ground-contacting edge thereof. The scoop is used to remove accumulated snow from a surface and bristles on the brush assembly are used to remove snow left behind by the scoop; where that remaining snow is located in cracks in the surface and adjacent surface protrusions. The brush assembly may be molded as part of the scoop or may be a separate component that is selectively detachably engaged to the scoop.
In one aspect, the invention may provide a hand-held snow shovel comprising a handle having a first end adapted to be held in the hands of a user; and a second end remote therefrom; a scoop having a front surface, a rear surface, a first edge and an opposed second edge; wherein the first end of the handle is engaged with the scoop; and wherein the front surface of the scoop is adapted to gather a quantity of snow from a snow-covered surface when the second edge is moved across the snow-covered surface; and a brush assembly provided on the rear surface adjacent the second edge, said brush assembly including a plurality of bristles extending at least partially beyond the second edge; and wherein the bristles are adapted to retain the second edge a distance off the snow-covered surface when the handle is oriented to angle the scoop to push snow off the snow-covered surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A sample embodiment of the invention is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a snow shovel in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the snow shovel of FIG. 1 angled such that bristles of a brush assembly on the shovel are at least somewhat visible and the second edge of the shovel's scoop is spaced a distance from a surface to be cleared of snow;

FIG. 3 is a partial rear perspective view of the snow shovel;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the highlighted region of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a partial left side view of the snow shovel angled to a first position where the second edge or blade of the scoop is in contact with the surface to be cleared of snow;

FIG. 6 is a partial left side view of the snow shovel angled to a second position where the bristles of the brush assembly are in contact with the surface to be cleared of snow;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the highlighted region of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the highlighted region of FIG. 6 showing at least some of the bristles exploded away from the brush assembly;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the snow shovel which includes a second embodiment of a brush assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of the snow shovel of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the brush assembly of FIG. 9 shown alone;

FIG. 12 is a partial rear perspective view of a second embodiment of a snow shovel in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the highlighted region of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a snow shovel which includes a third embodiment of a brush assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged right side view of the brush assembly provided on the snow shovel of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a partial rear view of the snow shovel of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the highlighted region of FIG. 16;

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-8 there is shown a first embodiment of a snow shovel in accordance with an aspect of the invention, generally indicated at 10. Shovel 10 includes a scoop 12 and a handle 14. Handle 14 is used to both hold and manipulate scoop 12.
Scoop 12 has a front surface 12 a, a rear surface 12 b (FIG. 6), a first edge 12 c, a second edge 12 d, and first and second sides 12 e, 12 f which extend between upper and second edges 12 c, 12 d. As best seen in FIG. 5 or 6, scoop 12 is generally concave in shape when viewed from the side, except for a region 12 g immediately adjacent second edge 12 f. Region 12 g forms part of front surface 12 a of scoop 12. Region 12 g is generally convex in shape and runs substantially the entire width “W” (FIG. 2) of scoop 12 (i.e., from first side 12 e to second side 12 f). Scoop 12 may include a plurality of stiffening ribs 16 which give scoop 12 both rigidity and strength. Ribs 16 are located at intervals from each other across the width “W” of scoop 12. Each rib 16 is oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis “Y” (FIG. 2) of shovel 10.
FIGS. 3 and 5 show that a mounting bracket 18 extends outwardly from rear surface 12 b of scoop 12. A second edge of handle 14 is received within bracket 18 and is secured therein by suitable means. FIGS. 3 and 6 also show that a pair of strengthening braces 20 extends laterally outwardly from mounting bracket 18 to rear surface 12 b of scoop 12. Scoop 12, mounting bracket 18, and strengthening braces 20 may be fabricated as a single, unitary, monolithic component from any suitable material. By way of example, scoop 12, mounting bracket 18 and braces 20 may be molded from a strong plastic material.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention and with reference to FIGS. 2-8, a brush assembly 22 is provided on shovel 10. Brush assembly 22 is provided on rear surface 12 b of scoop 12 and proximate second edge 12 d thereof. Brush assembly 22 is thus located a distance away from bracket 18 and spaced both vertically beneath bracket 18 and forwardly of bracket 18. Consequently, lowermost end of handle 14, which engages in bracket 18, is spaced a distance away from brush assembly 22 and is in no way engaged with brush assembly 22.
Brush assembly 22 is further provided on rear surface 12 b of scoop 12 and at a location that is from about ½ inch up to about 2 inches away from second edge 12 d of scoop 12 and along rear surface 12 b. Brush assembly 22 is provided rearwardly of convexly-shaped region 12 g. Brush assembly 22 includes a plurality of bristle tubes 24 with which bristles 26 are engaged. Each bristle tube 24 may include one or more bristles 26. Bristles 26 may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as plastic, wire, hair etc. Bristles may be sufficiently stiff enough to brush snow off a surface but insufficiently stiff enough to cut through ice on said surface.
In a first embodiment of shovel 10, a first embodiment of brush assembly 22 is engaged with scoop. The bristle tubes 24 of brush assembly 22 are molded with the rest of scoop 12. Bristle tubes 24 originate in rear surface 12 b and extend outwardly therefrom for a distance. Bristle tubes 24 are molded as an integral part of rear surface 12 b of scoop 12 and may be arranged in a plurality of spaced-apart rows. Each row of bristle tubes 24 is oriented generally at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y” and extends from proximate first side 12 e of scoop 12 to proximate second side 12 f. A first row of bristle tubes 24 is provided a short distance away from second edge 12 d of scoop and a last row of bristle tubes 24 is provided a greater distance away from second edge 12 d than the first row. Three rows of bristle tubes 24 are shown in FIGS. 3-8 but it will be understood that fewer than three rows of bristle tubes 24 may be provided on scoop 12 or more than three rows of bristle tubes 24 may be provided thereon.
Bristle tubes 24 may further be arranged in spaced apart columns which extend outwardly from the rear surface 12 b with a first column of bristle tubes 24 being provided proximate first side 12 e of scoop 12 and a last column of bristle tubes being provided proximate second side 12 f. Each column as illustrated herein includes three bristle tubes with a first of these three bristle tubes being located proximate second edge 12 d and a last of these three bristle tubes being located a distance from second edge 12 d. Each row therefore includes a plurality of bristle tubes 24 that are laterally spaced from each other and each column includes a plurality of bristle tubes 24 that are longitudinally spaced from each other. It should be understood, however, that any pattern or configuration of bristle tubes 24 may be utilized in brush assembly 22.
FIG. 8 shows a cross-section through a region adjacent second edge 12 d of scoop 12. The figure shows three bristle tubes 24 that each define a tubular recess 28 therein. One of recesses 28 is illustrated as being empty; a second of recesses 28 is illustrated with bristle 26 and a staple 30 exploded outwardly therefrom. The third bristle tube 24 shows an associated bristle 26 received in recess 28 thereof and secured to an innermost wall of bristle tube 24 by staple 30. It will be understood that other securement methods may be used to secure bristles 26 in place. The securements include, but are not limited to, adhesive materials or stitching.
FIG. 7 illustrates that an outermost end 24 a of each bristle tube is spaced a distance “H1” inwardly along rear surface 12 b (or upwardly in the specific orientation of shovel 10 illustrated in this figure) and away from second edge 12 d of scoop 12. Region 12 g is located forwardly of the first row of bristle tubes 24 and thereby protects bristle tubes 24 during removal of snow from a surface 32 by scoop 12. A brace member 34 extends outwardly and forwardly from each column of bristle tubes 24 and brace member 34 engages the rear surface 12 b of region 12 g. This may also be seen in FIG. 4. Bristles 26 extend outwardly from recesses 28 in bristle tubes 24 to such an extent that at least a portion of each bristle 26 extends for a distance beyond second edge 12 d of scoop 12. FIGS. 2, 6 and 7 show that ends 26 a of bristles 26 contact surface 32 and thereby keep second edge 12 d of scoop 12 a distance “H2” (FIG. 7) above surface 32. The fact that bristles 26 extending beyond second edge 12 d of scoop 12 and thereby keep second edge 12 d a distance off surface 32 may also be seen in FIG. 2.
Scoop 12 is able to move across surface 32 in at least two different ways in order to clear snow 36 from surface 32. FIG. 5 shows a quantity of snow 36 resting on surface 32 and scoop 12 being positioned adjacent the quantity of snow 36 and in a first position. In order to orient shovel 10 in this first position, handle 14 may need to be rotated upwardly in the direction of arrow “A” in order to bring second edge 12 d of scoop 12 into direct contact with surface 32. This rotational motion causes ends 26 a of some or all of bristles 26 to be lifted a distance off surface 32. (FIG. 5 shows that part of the first row of bristles 26 may be in contact with surface 32 and that the rest of bristles 26 are separated from surface 32.) The rotation orients scoop 12 in a first position where handle 14 is oriented at an angle α1 relative to surface 32. In this first position, a user is able to push shovel 10 in the direction of arrow “B” to gather and thereby remove a quantity of snow 36 from surface 32.
FIG. 6 shows a situation where some snow 36 a has been left behind on surface 32 after shovel 10 has been used in the orientation shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6 a ridge 38 is illustrated which caused the quantity of snow 36 a to remain on surface 32. A crack (not shown) in surface 32 may also cause snow to be left behind. The snow 36 a is left behind because second edge 12 d of scoop 12 tends to ride over ridge 38 and does not reconnect with surface 32 until second edge 12 d has moved a distance away from ridge 38. In order to remove snow 36 a from surface 32, scoop 12 is moved from the first position (FIG. 5) to a second position illustrated in FIG. 6. This is accomplished by rotating handle 14 downwardly in the direction of arrow “C” (FIG. 6). This motion lifts second edge 12 d off surface 32 and brings ends 26 a of substantially all of the bristles 26 into contact with surface 32. When in the second position the handle 14 is oriented at an angle α2 relative to surface 32. Angle α2 is smaller than angle α1. The user is then able to push shovel 10 in the direction of arrow “B” in much the same manner as one would a broom. Bristles 26 sweep over surface 32, over ridge 38 and brush snow 36 a from the area in front of ridge 38. The brushing motion may be continued until snow 36 a is completely removed from surface 32. Alternatively, shovel 10 may be moved from the second position back to the first position and then second edge 12 d may be used to push or scoop snow 36 a from surface 32.
It will be understood that any type of bristle 26 may be provided on brush assembly 22. Preferably, the bristles 26 are relatively stiff in nature so that they are strong enough to be able to brush accumulated snow 36 off surface 32. Bristles 26 are not so stiff that they would be able to cut through ice on surface 32. A suitable material for fabricating bristles is plastic or fibrous material that would typically be used in a broom. By angling shovel 10 or pushing down hard on shovel 10 and bending back the bristles 26, second edge 12 d of scoop 12 may be moved sufficiently close enough to surface 32 so as to gather up the majority of snow 36 on surface 32 in scoop 12. Bristles 26, which are located rearwardly of scoop 12 tend to sweep up any left-behind snow, such as snow 36 a, out of cracks and dips in surface 32.
FIGS. 9-13 illustrate a second embodiment of a shovel in accordance with an aspect of the invention, generally indicated at 110. Shovel 110 includes a scoop 112 with a handle 114 extending outwardly therefrom. Scoop 112 has a front surface 112 a, a rear surface 112 b, a first edge 112 c, a second edge 112 d, a first side 112 e, and a second side 112 f. A plurality of strengthening ribs 116 are provided on scoop 112. Scoop 110 is, again, a generally concave member (see FIG. 10) with the concavity extending from first edge 112 c to second edge 112 d. A mounting bracket 118 for handle 114 extends outwardly from rear surface 112 b and one or more strengthening braces 120 extend from bracket 118 to rear surface 112 b. Scoop 112 is substantially similar in configuration to scoop 12 with the exceptions of the shape of the region proximate second edge 112 d and the second embodiment of the brush assembly engaged therein.
A second embodiment of a brush assembly is provided on scoop 112, and is generally indicated at 122. In this instance, brush assembly 122 is a separate component that is detachably securable to scoop 112. Brush assembly 122 includes a base 150 that is engageable with scoop 112 and a plurality of bristles 126 that are provided on base 150. Base 150 has a first surface 150 a, a second surface 150 b, a first edge 150 c, a second edge 150 d, a first side 150 e, and a second side 150 f. First and second sides 150 f comprises a first leg of base 150, and second edge 150 d comprises a second leg of base 150. The first leg and second leg of base 150 are oriented at an angle relative to each other. Second edge 150 d is arcuate in shape and includes a first section “D” and a second section “E”. Second edge 150 d is concave in shape and the first section “D” thereof extends in a first direction upwardly away from first and second sides 150 e, 150 f. First section “D” is oriented generally at right angles to second surface 150 b. Second section “E” of second edge 150 d extends in a second direction downwardly from first and second sides 150 e, 150 f. Second section “E” is oriented at an angle greater than 90° relative to first surface 150 a. First section “D” forms a lip that is configured to interlockingly engage second edge 112 d of scoop 112 as illustrated FIG. 13. When first section “D” is so engaged, second section “E” curves downwardly and outwardly away from second edge 112 d of scoop 112. The lowermost edge of second section “E” becomes the surface-contacting edge of scoop 112 instead of second edge 112 d.
A plurality of spaced apart apertures 152 are defined in base 150 proximate with and generally parallel to first edge 150 c. Apertures 152 are through-holes which extend from first surface 150 a through to second surface 150 b. Each aperture 152 is configured and positioned receive a projection 154 therethrough, where projections 154 extend outwardly from rear surface 112 b of scoop 112. (Projections 154 are spaced apart from each other at an interval that is substantially identical to the spacing interval of apertures 152.) Projections 154 may be sized to be snap-fittingly received in apertures 152 and thereby hold base 150 to scoop 112.
A plurality of bristle tubes 124 are integrally injection molded with base 150. Bristle tubes 124 may be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns in much the same manner as bristle tubes 24 are arranged on scoop 12. Strengthening braces 134 extend between the first row of bristle tubes 24 and an interior surface of second section “E” of base 150. Strengthening braces 134 also extend between the last row of bristle tubes 24 and first surface 136 a of base 150. One or more bristles 126 extend outwardly from a recess 128 defined in each bristle tube 124 and are secured to an interior wall of bristle tube 124 in much the same manner that bristles 26 are secured to bristle tubes 24. Bristles 126 are of a sufficient length that they will keep a lowermost edge of second edge 150 d of base 150 a distance off the surface 32 to be cleared of snow when shovel 110 is in the second position (i.e., a position similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6). Bristles 126 will contact the surface 32 to be cleared of snow when the shovel 110 is in the second position and will be lifted out of contact with the surface 32 when shovel 110 is in the first position (similar to that illustrated in FIG. 5).
As previously indicated, base 150 is a separate, injection-molded component that is selectively detachably engageable with scoop 112. In order to engage base 150 with scoop 112, first section “D” of base 150 is positioned in interlocking engagement with second edge 112 d of scoop 112. Base 150 is then rotated so that apertures 152 in base 150 move into alignment with projections 154 on scoop 112. Base 150 is pressed inwardly toward rear surface 112 b of scoop until projections 154 extend through apertures 152. Thus, base 150 is snap-fittingly engaged with scoop 112. At least one fastener bristle tube 156 (FIG. 13) may be molded on base 150. A fastener 158 (such as a plastic snap, a screw, a bolt or any other fastener) may extend through a bore (not shown) of fastener bristle tube 156 and into rear surface 112 b of scoop 112. Fastener(s) 158 thus aid in securing base 150 to scoop 112. When brush assembly 122 is engaged with scoop 112 then second edge 112 d of scoop 112 is effectively lengthened or extended. Additionally, the curvature of second edge 150 d of brush assembly 122 extends the concave curvature of front surface 112 a of scoop 112.
Shovel 110 is used in much the same manner as shovel 10 except that if base 150 becomes damaged over time (e.g. if a sufficient number of bristles 126 thereon are damaged or are ripped out of bristle tubes 124 during use) then base 150 may be detached from scoop 112 by reversing the steps of engagement described above. A replacement base (not shown) may then be engaged with scoop 112.
Referring now to FIGS. 14-17, there is shown a third embodiment of a snow shovel, generally indicated at 210. Shovel 210 includes a scoop 212 with a handle 214 extending outwardly therefrom. Scoop 212 has a front surface 212 a, a rear surface 212 b, a first edge 212 c, a second edge 212 d, a first side 212 e, and a second side 212 f. Strengthening ribs 216 are provided on scoop 212. Scoop 212 is a generally concave member (FIG. 14) that is substantially similar to scoop 112. A mounting bracket 218 for handle 214 extends outwardly from rear surface 212 b of scoop 212 and one or more strengthening braces 220 extend from bracket 218 to rear surface 212 b. Scoop 212 defines a plurality of holes 213 therein with holes 213 being located a distance inwardly of second edge 212 d. Holes 213 extend between front surface 212 a and rear surface 212 b.
Shovel 210 includes a third embodiment of a brush assembly thereon, with the brush assembly being generally indicated at 222. Brush assembly 222 is a separate component that is detachably securable to scoop 212. Brush assembly 222 includes a base 250 having a first surface 250 a, a second surface 250 b, a first edge 250 c, a second edge 250 d, a first side 250 e, and a second side 250 f. Second edge 250 d is similarly configured to second edge 150 d of base 150. Second edge 250 d is selectively engageable with second edge 212 d of scoop 212 in much the same manner as second edge 150 d is engaged with second edge 112 d of scoop 112.
Base 250 may further include two L-shaped rails 251, 253, which extend outwardly from first surface 250 a of base 250. Rails 251, 253 are oriented generally parallel to each other and rails 251, 253 and first surface 250 a together define two C-shaped channels 260, 262. Channels 260, 262 open toward each other and are configured to receive an insert 264 therein. When brush assembly 222 is engaged with scoop 212, rails 251, 253 are oriented generally at right angles to longitudinal axis and generally parallel to second edge 212 d of scoop 212. Insert 264 includes a planar member 264 which is slidable into and out of channels 260, 262. Planar member 264 has a first surface that is positioned adjacent first surface 250 a of base 250 when insert 264 is engaged in channels 260, 262. An opposite surface to this first surface of planar member 264 has a plurality of bristle tubes 224 integrally molded therewith. Bristle tubes 224 may be provided in any desired pattern on insert 264. As illustrated herein, three rows of bristle tubes 224 are provided on insert 264, although other numbers of rows may be utilized instead. Bristle tubes 224 may also be organized into columns on insert 264. Bristle tubes 224 extend outwardly from insert and are substantially identical in structure and function to bristle tubes 24 and 124. Each bristle tube 224 defines a recess 228 into which one or more bristles 226 are secured.
First edge 250 c of base 250 extends outwardly for a distance from rail 253 and in a first direction. First edge 250 c defines a plurality of spaced-apart holes 266 therein. Holes 266 are through-holes which extend from first surface 250 a through to second surface 250 b. Fasteners 268 are inserted through holes 266 to secure base 250 to rear surface of scoop 212 b after second edge 250 d of base 250 has been engaged with second edge 212 d of scoop 212. Fasteners 268 may be plastic snaps, screws, nuts and bolts, or any other such type of connector. When brush assembly 212 is engaged with scoop 212 then the lowermost edge of second edge 250 d of brush assembly 212 will become the surface-contacting region of scoop 212. Shovel 210 is used in substantially the same manner as shovel 110 and shovel 10.
It should be noted that in all three embodiments disclosed herein all of the bristle tubes 24, 124 and 224 are illustrated as being generally at right angles to the surfaces from which they extend. It will be understood, however, that some or all of these bristle tubes may be oriented at angles other than 90° to the surface from which they extend.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration set out herein are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A hand-held snow shovel comprising:

a handle having a first end adapted to be held in the hands of a user; and a second end remote therefrom;

a scoop having a front surface, a rear surface, a first edge and an opposed second edge; wherein the first end of the handle is engaged with the scoop; and wherein the front surface of the scoop is adapted to gather a quantity of snow from a snow-covered surface when the second edge is moved across the snow-covered surface; and

a brush assembly provided on the rear surface adjacent the second edge, said brush assembly including a plurality of bristles extending at least partially beyond the second edge; and wherein the bristles are adapted to retain the second edge a distance off the snow-covered surface when the handle is oriented to angle the scoop to push snow off the snow-covered surface.

2. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1; wherein the shovel is movable between a first position where the second edge is adapted to contact the snow-covered surface while substantially all of the bristles are lifted off the snow-covered surface; and a second position where the second edge of the scoop is lifted off the snow-covered surface and substantially all of the bristles contact the surface.

3. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 2, wherein the shovel is adapted to scoop snow from the snow-covered surface when the shovel is in the first position; and the shovel is adapted to sweep snow from the snow-covered surface when the shovel is in the second position.

4. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the brush assembly is provided on the rear surface of the scoop at a location from about ½ inch up to about 2 inches inwardly from the second edge.

5. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the scoop includes a first region and a second region when viewed from one side; wherein the first region is generally concave in shape and extends from the first edge of the scoop downwardly toward the second edge thereof; and the second region originates along a lower portion of the first region and terminates at the second edge; and wherein the second region is generally convex in shape.

6. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 5, wherein the brush assembly is provided on the rear surface of the scoop rearwardly of the convex second region.

7. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the brush assembly is integrally molded with the scoop.

8. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 7, wherein the brush assembly includes a plurality of bristle assemblies; and each bristle assembly includes a bristle tube which is integrally molded with the scoop.

9. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 8, further comprising a recess defined in each bristle tube; and one or more bristles engaged in the recess of the bristle tube.

10. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 9, wherein the bristles are secured to an inner surface of the bristle tube which defines the recess.

11. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the brush assembly includes a base with an upper surface and a lower surface; and a plurality of bristles extend outwardly from the lower surface thereof; and wherein the base is selectively detachably engaged with the scoop.

12. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 11, wherein the base snap-fittingly engages with the scoop.

13. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 12, wherein the base includes a plurality of snaps which snap fit into holes defined in the scoop.

14. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 11, further comprising an arm extending outwardly from one end of the base and at an angle relative to the upper surface thereof; and wherein the second edge of the scoop is positioned between the arm and the upper surface of the base; and at least a portion of the arm extends for a distance below the second edge of the scoop.

15. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 14, wherein at least the portion of the arm has a lowermost end and the lowermost end is adapted to contact the snow-covered surface when the scoop is angled to remove accumulated snow from the snow-covered surface.

16. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 15, wherein the scoop has a height measured from the upper edge to a portion of the scoop which is adapted to contact the snow-covered surface; and when the base is engaged with the scoop the height of the arm is increased.

17. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 16, wherein the arm is concave in shape.

18. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the brush assembly includes:

a frame member that is selectively detachably engageable with the scoop; and

an insert that is selectively engageable with the frame member; and wherein the insert has an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the exterior surface thereof includes a plurality of bristle assemblies thereon.

19. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 18, wherein the exterior surface of the frame member defines at least one channel therein; and the insert is received in the at least one channel.

20. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 19, wherein the insert slides laterally into and out of the at least one channel on the frame member.

21. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, further comprising a handle mounting bracket extending outwardly from the rear surface of the scoop; and wherein the handle mounting bracket is located a distance away from brush assembly and is spaced both vertically and horizontally a distance away from brush assembly along the rear surface of the scoop.

22. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the bristles are sufficiently stiff enough to brush snow off a surface but are insufficiently stiff enough to cut through ice on said surface.